What product or technique is best for removing paint from wood?

Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen of the forum. I have a strange question for such a board but I thought I would ask anyway, due to the diversity we have here.

What I'm looking for is a way to take a Maple desk and remove 3 or 4 layers of paint from it. I do believe that the desk has a layer of Poly over the stain, as the paint comes off rather easily through just normal wear and tear. I bought this after my lovely wife nudged me to get rid of all of my Oak furniture in the office and spotted it in an Estate sale, realizing the potential. I got it for a steal as it was custom made and everything in it was made from Maple. Apparently, the owner before me didn't like stain so she decided to paint it Pink. Then Purple. While I have no idea what she was thinking, she just wanted someone to get it out of her house. Maybe she had a bad divorce and this reminded her of her ex. I don't know and I really don't care as I was the right guy at the right place. To make it look good enough to introduce into my house, I painted it semi-gloss black. That said, I'm wanting to start the project to full restoration sometime soon. Should provide me with some fun .

The entire unit weighs in at about 250-300 pounds, so good recommendations are really appreciated. There are no intricacies that would require a toothbrush and months of tedious work besides the normal corners. I have many tools that the common man wouldn't have and if I don't have one? I'll get it. What I am lacking is the knowledge of how to remove the paint without harming the Polurethane or stain.

Throw me some ideas if you have ever encountered a project such as this or have extensive knowledge in this particular type of project. Any advice or suggestions are welcome and thank you for taking the time to read this.

Tom

Thanks, Amir. Wallpaper is a specialty of mine and I have taken down tens of thousands of feet of it. That's no big thing to me. Getting into removing paint on wood? Eh, not so much. I can take graffiti off of brick bringing it back to it's original glory, even if it's Kilz or enamel paint. I can remove layers upon layers of whatever kind of paint, even industrial from metal without damaging or even scratching the substrate but when it comes to removing paint on wood, I'm at a loss. I have already talked to my woodworker and he said he avoids this kind of project to all extremes. Not a good sign .

I have heard that since it's a hard wood, apply the stripper, wait a bit and pressure wash it in an area outside that doesn't need to stay pristine. No problem, as I have a generator and a pressure washer with all kinds of tips and tools that can get into the nooks and crannies without damage to the substrate but the issue arises when it comes to the water source out in the middle of nowhere. The woodworker professional I know only charges $34.00 an hour, which is good IMO for his expertise but he is not willing to do the paint stripping. Hence the question.

FWIW, I have a garage I can do this project in. I just don't want to take the computer desk and have it turn into a month long project or longer because I wasn't properly prepared with the correct knowledge, tools, products or procedures. The layers of paint that has worn off on the shelf where my palm rests near where the mouse slides reveals a beautiful woodgrain finish.